Meeting at the Hundleby Inn, the booted twelve trolled around the car park watching the buzzards performing as they soared effortlessly on thermals in the clear blue sky. A little more effort was needed to herd the walkers into shape in front of the pub for the photoshoot.

Footpaths across soggy grass fields, past horses and sheep, led to a track and then a steepish climb up Wood Hill where misty views of edge of the Wolds were admired. The minor road leading down to Raithby was taken then past Raithby Hall and converted stable mews and so the Red Lion was reached.

As the trekkers started to remove their muddy boots outside the landlord appeared bearing blue plastic shower caps for all to cover over their footwear - surely a first, not just for Fenland but possibly any walking CAMRA group. XB and Black Sheep awaited in this most snug, low beamed, welcoming of country inns. The ale was in fine form as was the conversation and the warm fire, and so the party was in no hurry to move on. Eventually time was called to move out, remove the shower caps, and set off down the road, along the wide verge and then up through a delightful wood with the last of the season's snowdrops and early daffodils, along with celandines. There was just time to pop into and admire St Mary's church at Hundleby before returning to the Inn.

Betty Stogs, all the way from Skinner's, Truro, greeted the Fen folk, as did the landlord Steve, along with XB and Black Sheep (with its No. 1, new at the time, handpump). An excellent carvery was taken, along with veggie options and Chairman Nigel proposed a toast to the organisers, Ivan, Geoff and Dave.